U.S. patent application number 16/522128 was filed with the patent office on 2020-01-30 for liquid cartridge including sealing member fitted in cap covering liquid supply tube.
This patent application is currently assigned to BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA. The applicant listed for this patent is BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA. Invention is credited to Masahiro HAYASHI, Yuji KOGA, Naoya OKAZAKI, Akihito ONO, Toshio SUGIURA.
Application Number | 20200031132 16/522128 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 67137731 |
Filed Date | 2020-01-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20200031132 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
ONO; Akihito ; et
al. |
January 30, 2020 |
LIQUID CARTRIDGE INCLUDING SEALING MEMBER FITTED IN CAP COVERING
LIQUID SUPPLY TUBE
Abstract
A liquid cartridge includes a liquid supply tube, a sealing
member, and a cap. The sealing member seals an opening of the
liquid supply tube. The sealing member includes a cylindrical
portion, a first protrusion, a second protrusion, and a third
protrusion. The first protrusion protrudes radially inward. The
first protrusion has a first protruding end defining a first
sealing surface facing an axis of the cylindrical portion. The
second protrusion protrudes radially outward to have a second
protruding end in a direction away from the axis. The second
protrusion has a second sealing surface in contact with the liquid
supply tube. The third protrusion protrudes along the axis to have
a third protruding end. The third protrusion has a contacting
surface inclined relative to the axis to face the axis. The
contacting surface is in contact with the cap.
Inventors: |
ONO; Akihito; (Nagoya-shi,
JP) ; HAYASHI; Masahiro; (Nagoya-shi, JP) ;
OKAZAKI; Naoya; (Gifu-ken, JP) ; SUGIURA; Toshio;
(Anjo-shi, JP) ; KOGA; Yuji; (Nagoya-shi,
JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA |
Nagoya-shi |
|
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI
KAISHA
Nagoya-shi
JP
|
Family ID: |
67137731 |
Appl. No.: |
16/522128 |
Filed: |
July 25, 2019 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B41J 2/1752 20130101;
B41J 2/17503 20130101; B41J 2/1754 20130101; B41J 2/175 20130101;
B41J 2/17523 20130101; B41J 2/17513 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B41J 2/175 20060101
B41J002/175 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 30, 2018 |
JP |
2018-142567 |
Claims
1. A liquid cartridge detachably attachable to an attachment
section including a liquid supply needle, the liquid cartridge
comprising: a housing having a liquid storage chamber configured to
store liquid therein; a liquid supply tube defining an internal
space therein and extending in an extending direction from the
housing and having a distal end formed with an opening, the liquid
supply tube being configured to provide communication between the
liquid storage chamber and the liquid supply needle; a sealing
member sealing the opening of the liquid supply tube and having a
liquid supply hole extending in the extending direction; and a cap
having an opening through which the liquid supply needle is
inserted, the sealing member being interposed between the cap and
the liquid supply tube in the extending direction, wherein the
sealing member is elastically deformable, the sealing member
comprising: a cylindrical portion defining an axis extending in the
extending direction; a first protrusion protruding radially inward
from an inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion, the
first protrusion having a first protruding end defining a first
sealing surface facing the axis, the first sealing surface being
configured to contact an outer peripheral surface of the liquid
supply needle; a second protrusion protruding radially outward from
an outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion to have a
second protruding end in a direction away from the axis, the second
protruding end having a second sealing surface in contact with the
distal end of the liquid supply tube; and a third protrusion
protruding from the cylindrical portion in the extending direction
along the axis to have a third protruding end in the extending
direction, the third protrusion having a contacting surface
inclined relative to the axis to face the axis, the contacting
surface being in contact with the cap.
2. The liquid cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the second
sealing surface extending radially inward from an outer peripheral
surface of the second protruding end toward the axis, the second
sealing surface being inclined relative to the axis to face the
axis.
3. The liquid cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the third
protrusion has a tapered shape that tapers toward the third
protruding end.
4. The liquid cartridge according to claim 1, further comprising a
valve configured to contact and separate from the sealing member in
the internal space of the liquid supply tube, the valve being
configured to close the liquid supply hole in a state where the
valve is in contact with the sealing member.
5. The liquid cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the cap
comprises a recess in which the third protrusion is received, and
wherein the recess has an engaging surface in engagement with the
contacting surface of the sealing member.
6. The liquid cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the cap
comprises: a first cylinder extending in the extending direction
and defining a hollow space therein for receiving the liquid supply
tube, the first cylinder having a first end in the extending
direction; and a second cylinder extending in the extending
direction and located radially inward of the first cylinder and
defining the opening, the first cylinder and the second cylinder
defining a gap therebetween, the second cylinder having a second
end in the extending direction; a connecting wall connecting the
first end and the second end, the connecting wall having a
ring-like shape, the first end, the second end and the connecting
wall providing a recess in communication with the gap, the recess
receiving the third protrusion.
7. A liquid supplying device comprising: the liquid cartridge
according to claim 4; and a cartridge attachment section to which
the liquid cartridge is detachably attachable, the cartridge
attachment section comprising: a liquid supply needle defining an
inner space therein and having a distal end formed with an opening;
and a needle valve positioned in the inner space of the liquid
supply needle, the needle valve being configured to open and close
the opening of the liquid supply needle, wherein, in a state where
the liquid cartridge is attached to the cartridge attachment
section, the liquid supply needle is inserted in the liquid supply
tube through the liquid supply hole and the opening of the cap, and
the needle valve contacts the valve to open the opening of the
liquid supply needle to provide communication between the inner
space of the liquid supply needle and the liquid storage
chamber.
8. A liquid cartridge comprising: a housing having a liquid storage
chamber configured to store liquid therein; a liquid supply tube
defining an internal space therein and extending in an extending
direction from the housing and having a distal end formed with an
opening; a sealing member sealing the opening of the liquid supply
tube and having a liquid supply hole extending in the extending
direction; and a cap having an opening, the sealing member being
interposed between the cap and the liquid supply tube in the
extending direction, wherein the sealing member is elastically
deformable, the sealing member comprising: a cylindrical portion
defining an axis extending in the extending direction, a first
protrusion protruding radially inward from an inner peripheral
surface of the cylindrical portion, the first protrusion having a
first protruding end defining a first sealing surface facing the
axis; a second protrusion protruding radially outward from an outer
peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion to have a second
protruding end in a direction away from the axis, the second
protruding end having a second sealing surface in contact with the
distal end of the liquid supply tube; and a third protrusion
protruding from the cylindrical portion in the extending direction
along the axis to have a third protruding end in the extending
direction, the third protrusion having a contacting surface
inclined relative to the axis to face the axis, the contacting
surface being in contact with the cap.
9. The liquid cartridge according to claim 8, wherein the second
sealing surface extending radially inward from an outer peripheral
surface of the second protruding end toward the axis, the second
sealing surface being inclined relative to the axis to face the
axis.
10. The liquid cartridge according to claim 8, wherein the third
protrusion has a tapered shape that tapers toward the third
protruding end.
11. The liquid cartridge according to claim 8, further comprising a
valve configured to contact and separate from the sealing member in
the internal space of the liquid supply tube, the valve being
configured to close the liquid supply hole in a state where the
valve is in contact with the sealing member.
12. The liquid cartridge according to claim 8, wherein the cap
comprises a recess in which the third protrusion is received, and
wherein the recess has an engaging surface in engagement with the
contacting surface of the sealing member.
13. The liquid cartridge according to claim 8, wherein the cap
comprises: a first cylinder extending in the extending direction
and defining a hollow space therein for receiving the liquid supply
tube, the first cylinder having a first end in the extending
direction; and a second cylinder extending in the extending
direction and located radially inward of the first cylinder and
defining the opening, the first cylinder and the second cylinder
defining a gap therebetween, the second cylinder having a second
end in the extending direction; a connecting wall connecting the
first end and the second end, the connecting wall having a
ring-like shape, the first end, the second end and the connecting
wall providing a recess in communication with the gap, the recess
receiving the third protrusion.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority from Japanese Patent
Application No. 2018-142567 filed Jul. 30, 2018. The entire content
of the priority application is incorporated herein by
reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to a liquid cartridge
including a seal member and a cap assembled to a liquid supplying
cylinder for discharging liquid stored in a liquid storage chamber.
The present disclosure further relates to a liquid supplying device
including the ink cartridge and a cartridge attachment section to
which the ink cartridge is detachably attachable.
BACKGROUND
[0003] A printer provided with a recording head for ejecting ink
supplied from an ink cartridge through nozzles is known in the art.
The printer includes an ink needle connected to the recording head
and though which the ink is supplied. The ink cartridge is
attachable to and detachable from the printer. The ink cartridge
has an ink supply hole for supplying the ink to the recording head
through the ink needle. The ink cartridge includes a sealing member
fitted to the ink supply hole. The sealing member prevents the ink
from leaking out of the ink supply hole in a state where the ink
cartridge is connected to the ink needle. Further, the ink
cartridge includes a cap attached to the ink supply hole to fix the
sealing member (for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,425,478).
SUMMARY
[0004] When the ink cartridge is attached to the printer, the ink
needle is inserted into a through hole formed in the sealing
member. At this time, the sealing member may be pulled in an
insertion direction of the ink needle by friction generated between
an outer peripheral surface of the ink needle and the sealing
member. The sealing member may be therefore detached from the cap,
which may weaken sealability provided by the sealing member. As a
result, ink may leak through the ink supply hole.
[0005] In view of foregoing, it is an object of the disclosure to
provide a liquid cartridge capable of restricting disassembly
between a sealing member and a cap, and a liquid supplying device
using the same.
[0006] In order to attain the above and other objects, according to
one aspect, the present disclosure provides a liquid cartridge
detachably attachable to an attachment section including a liquid
supply needle. The liquid cartridge includes a housing, a liquid
supply tube, a sealing member, and a cap. The housing has a liquid
storage chamber configured to store liquid therein. The liquid
supply tube defines an internal space therein and extends in an
extending direction from the housing and has a distal end formed
with an opening. The liquid supply tube is configured to provide
communication between the liquid storage chamber and the liquid
supply needle. The sealing member seals the opening of the liquid
supply tube and has a liquid supply hole extending in the extending
direction. The cap has an opening through which the liquid supply
needle is inserted. The sealing member is interposed between the
cap and the liquid supply tube in the extending direction. The
sealing member is elastically deformable. The sealing member
includes a cylindrical portion, a first protrusion, a second
protrusion, and a third protrusion. The cylindrical portion defines
an axis extending in the extending direction. The first protrusion
protrudes radially inward from an inner peripheral surface of the
cylindrical portion. The first protrusion has a first protruding
end defining a first sealing surface facing the axis. The first
sealing surface is configured to contact an outer peripheral
surface of the liquid supply needle. The second protrusion
protrudes radially outward from an outer peripheral surface of the
cylindrical portion to have a second protruding end in a direction
away from the axis. The second protruding end has a second sealing
surface in contact with the distal end of the liquid supply tube.
The third protrusion protrudes from the cylindrical portion in the
extending direction along the axis to have a third protruding end
in the extending direction. The third protrusion has a contacting
surface inclined relative to the axis to face the axis. The
contacting surface is in contact with the cap.
[0007] According to another aspect, the present disclosure also
provides a liquid supplying device including the above liquid
cartridge, and a cartridge attachment section. The liquid cartridge
is detachably attachable to the cartridge attachment section. The
cartridge attachment section includes a liquid supply needle, and a
needle valve. The liquid supply needle defines an inner space
therein and has a distal end formed with an opening. The needle
valve is positioned in the inner space of the liquid supply needle.
The needle valve is configured to open and close the opening of the
liquid supply needle. In a state where the liquid cartridge is
attached to the cartridge attachment section, the liquid supply
needle is inserted in the liquid supply tube through the liquid
supply hole and the opening of the cap. The needle valve contacts
the valve to open the opening of the liquid supply needle to
provide communication between the inner space of the liquid supply
needle and the liquid storage chamber.
[0008] According to still another aspect, the present disclosure
also provides a liquid cartridge includes a housing, a liquid
supply tube, a sealing member, and a cap. The housing has a liquid
storage chamber configured to store liquid therein. The liquid
supply tube defines an internal space therein and extends in an
extending direction from the housing and has a distal end formed
with an opening. The sealing member seals the opening of the liquid
supply tube and has a liquid supply hole extending in the extending
direction. The cap has an opening. The sealing member is interposed
between the cap and the liquid supply tube in the extending
direction. The sealing member is elastically deformable. The
sealing member includes a cylindrical portion, a first protrusion,
a second protrusion, and a third protrusion. The cylindrical
portion defines an axis extending in the extending direction. The
first protrusion protrudes radially inward from an inner peripheral
surface of the cylindrical portion. The first protrusion has a
first protruding end defining a first sealing surface facing the
axis. The second protrusion protrudes radially outward from an
outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion to have a
second protruding end in a direction away from the axis. The second
protruding end has a second sealing surface in contact with the
distal end of the liquid supply tube. The third protrusion
protrudes from the cylindrical portion in the extending direction
along the axis to have a third protruding end in the extending
direction. The third protrusion has a contacting surface inclined
relative to the axis to face the axis. The contacting surface is in
contact with the cap.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The particular features and advantages of the embodiment as
well as other objects will become apparent from the following
description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in
which:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional diagram
illustrating an internal structure of a printer provided with a
cartridge attachment section to which an ink cartridge according to
one embodiment is detachably attachable;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge attachment
section according to the embodiment as viewed from a rear side
thereof;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the cartridge
attachment section and the ink cartridge according to the
embodiment, illustrating a state where the ink cartridge is
attached to the cartridge attachment section;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the ink cartridge according
to the embodiment as viewed from a rear side thereof;
[0014] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the ink cartridge
according to the embodiment, illustrating a state where a sealing
member, a valve, a coil spring and a cap are disassembled;
[0015] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the cap, illustrating a
vertical cross-section of the cap;
[0016] FIG. 7 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the sealing
member as viewed from a left side thereof;
[0017] FIG. 8 is a partially enlarged vertical cross-sectional view
illustrating an ink supply portion and in the vicinity thereof
before an ink needle of the cartridge attachment section is
inserted into the ink supply portion; and
[0018] FIG. 9 is a partially enlarged vertical cross-sectional view
illustrating the ink supply portion and in the vicinity thereof in
a state where the ink needle is inserted into the ink supply
portion.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] An ink cartridge 30 according to one embodiment and a
printer 10 to which the ink cartridge 30 is detachably attachable
will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 through 9, wherein like
parts and components are designated by the same reference numerals
to avoid duplicating description.
[0020] In the following description, a direction in which the ink
cartridge 30 is inserted into a cartridge attachment section 110 of
the printer 10 is defined as a "frontward direction 51," while a
direction in which the ink cartridge 30 is removed from the
cartridge attachment section 110 is defined as a "rearward
direction 52." The frontward direction 51 and the rearward
direction 52 are opposite to each other. As will be described
later, the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into and removed from the
cartridge attachment section 110 in a horizontal direction. Both
the frontward direction 51 and the rearward direction 52 are
therefore regarded as directions parallel to a horizontal plane
perpendicular to the gravitational direction. However, the
frontward direction 51 and the rearward direction 52 do not have to
coincide with the horizontal direction. Further, a direction
perpendicular to the frontward direction 51 or the rearward
direction 52 is defined as a "downward direction 53." A direction
opposite to the downward direction 53 is defined as an "upward
direction 54." A direction perpendicular to the frontward direction
51 and the downward direction 53 is defined as a "rightward
direction 55." A direction opposite to the rightward direction 55
is defined as a "leftward direction 56." The rightward direction 55
and the leftward direction 56 are also parallel to the horizontal
plane.
[0021] Hence, in a state where the ink cartridge 30 is attached to
the cartridge attachment section 110, that is, in a state where the
ink cartridge 30 is capable of being used or operated by the
printer 10, the downward direction 53 is coincident with a
direction of a gravitational force acting on the ink cartridge 30
(i.e. gravitational direction), and the upward direction 54 is
coincident with a direction opposite to the gravitational
direction.
[0022] Further, as described above, the rightward direction 55 and
the leftward direction 56 are defined as directions perpendicular
to the frontward direction 51 and the downward direction 53. More
specifically, in the state where the ink cartridge 30 is attached
to the cartridge attachment section 110 and is capable of being
used by the printer 10, the rightward direction 55 is a direction
toward the right and the leftward direction 56 is a direction
toward the left when the ink cartridge 30 is viewed from a rear
side thereof.
[0023] Note that a state where the ink cartridge 30 is attached to
the cartridge attachment section 110 or a state where the ink
cartridge 30 is capable of being operated by the printer 10 implies
a state of the ink cartridge 30 that has been completely inserted
into an attachment position in the cartridge attachment section
110. At the attachment position, an ink needle 102 (described
later) provided at the cartridge attachment section 110 is inserted
into an ink supply portion 34 (described later) of the ink
cartridge 30 to be connected to the ink supply portion 34.
Hereinafter, a posture of the ink cartridge 30 in a state where the
ink cartridge 30 is attached to the cartridge attachment section
110 or a state where the ink cartridge 30 is capable of being
operated by the printer 10 will be referred to as an "operational
posture."
[0024] Further, the frontward direction 51 and the rearward
direction 52 may be collectively referred to as a "front-rear
direction." The upward direction 54 and the downward direction 53
may be collectively referred to as an "up-down direction." The
rightward direction 55 and the leftward direction 56 may be
collectively referred to as a "left-right direction."
[0025] Further, in the following description, an expression "facing
frontward" means "facing in a direction containing a frontward
component," and an expression "facing rearward" means "facing in a
direction containing a rearward component." Further, an expression
"facing downward" means "facing in a direction containing a
downward component," and an expression "facing upward" means
"facing in a direction containing an upward component." For
example, a phrase "A front surface faces frontward." denotes that
the front surface may face in the frontward direction, or the front
surface may face in a direction inclined relative to the frontward
direction as long as the direction contains a frontward
component.
[0026] <Overview of Printer 10>
[0027] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the printer 10 is an image
recording apparatus configured to selectively eject ink droplets
onto recording sheets to record images thereon based on an inkjet
recording system. The printer 10 is, for example, an inkjet
printer. The printer 10 includes a recording head 21, an ink
supplying device 100, and a plurality of ink tubes 20 each
connecting the recording head 21 to the ink supplying device 100.
The ink supplying device 100 includes the cartridge attachment
section 110. The cartridge attachment section 110 can detachably
accommodate a plurality of ink cartridges 30. The cartridge
attachment section 110 has one end formed with an opening 112.
Through the opening 112, each of the ink cartridges 30 can be
inserted into the cartridge attachment section 110 in the frontward
direction 51 and removed from the cartridge attachment section 110
in the rearward direction 52.
[0028] Each of the ink cartridges 30 stores liquid therein.
Specifically, each ink cartridge 30 stores ink therein that can be
used for printing operations performed in the printer 10. When the
ink cartridges 30 has been completely attached to the cartridge
attachment section 110, the ink cartridges 30 are connected to the
recording head 21 through the corresponding ink tubes 20. The
recording head 21 includes a plurality of (four in the embodiment)
damper chambers 28 corresponding to the plurality of ink cartridges
30. Each damper chamber 28 is adapted to temporarily store the ink
supplied from the corresponding ink cartridge 30 through the
corresponding ink tube 20. The recording head 21 also includes a
plurality of nozzles 29 through which the ink supplied from the
respective damper chambers 28 is selectively ejected. More
specifically, the recording head 21 is provided with a head control
board (not illustrated), and a plurality of piezoelectric elements
29A corresponding one-on-one to the plurality of nozzles 29. The
head control board is configured to selectively apply drive
voltages to the plurality of piezoelectric elements 29A to eject
ink selectively from the nozzles 29. In this way, the recording
head 21 is configured to consume ink stored in each ink cartridge
30 in a state where the ink cartridge 30 is attached to the
cartridge attachment section 110.
[0029] The printer 10 includes a sheet feeding tray 15, a sheet
feeding roller 23, a pair of conveying rollers 25, a platen 26, a
pair of discharge rollers 27, and a sheet discharge tray 16. The
sheet feeding roller 23 is configured to feed recording sheets from
the sheet feeding tray 15 onto a conveying path 24. The recording
sheets conveyed to the conveying path 24 are then received by the
pair of conveying rollers 25. The pair of conveying rollers 25
conveys the recording sheets to a position between the recording
head 21 and the platen 26. The recording head 21 selectively ejects
ink onto the recording sheets as the recording sheets passes over
the platen 26, whereby images are recorded on the recording sheets.
The pair of discharge rollers 27 receives the recording sheets that
have passed over the platen 26 and discharges the recording sheets
onto the sheet discharge tray 16 provided at a position most
downstream in the conveying path 24.
[0030] <Ink Supplying Device 100>
[0031] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the ink supplying device 100 is
provided in the printer 10. The ink supplying device 100 is
configured to supply ink to the recording head 21. The ink
supplying device 100 includes the cartridge attachment section 110
and the plurality of (four in the embodiment) ink tubes 20. The ink
cartridges 30 are detachably attachable to the cartridge attachment
section 110. Note that FIG. 1 illustrates a state where one of the
ink cartridges 30 has been completely attached to the cartridge
attachment section 110. That is, in FIG. 1, the ink cartridge 30 is
in an attached state where the ink cartridge 30 has been completely
attached to the cartridge attachment section 110. In other words,
the ink cartridge 30 illustrated in FIG. 1 is in its operational
posture described above. The ink supplying device 100 and the ink
cartridge 30 constitute an example of the system.
[0032] <Cartridge Attachment Section 110>
[0033] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, the cartridge attachment
section 110 includes a case 101 and the plurality of (four in the
embodiment) ink needles 102. In the embodiment, four ink cartridges
30 corresponding to respective four colors of cyan, magenta,
yellow, and black can be accommodated in the cartridge attachment
section 110. The four ink needles 102 are provided in one-to-one
correspondence with the four ink cartridges 30. For an explanatory
purpose, in the following description and the drawings, only one
ink cartridge 30 is assumed to be attached to the cartridge
attachment section 110 unless otherwise specified.
[0034] <Case 101>
[0035] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the case 101 constitutes a housing
of the cartridge attachment section 110. The case has a generally
box-like shape defining an internal space. The case 101 has an
inner top surface 57, an inner bottom surface, an inner right-side
surface 107, an inner left-side surface 108, an inner end surface
59, and the opening 112. The inner top surface 57 defines a ceiling
of the internal space of the case 101. The inner bottom surface
defines a bottom of the internal space of the case 101. The inner
right-side surface 107 defines a right edge of the internal space
of the case 101. The inner left-side surface 108 defines a left
edge of the internal space of the case 101. The inner end surface
59 connects the inner top surface 57, the inner bottom surface, the
inner right-side surface 107, and the inner left-side surface 108.
The opening 112 is formed in the case 101 at a position facing the
inner end surface 59 in the front-rear direction. The opening 112
can be exposed to a user-interface surface of the printer 10 that a
user faces when operating the printer 10.
[0036] Each ink cartridge 30 can be inserted into and removed from
the case 101 through the opening 112. The case 101 has a bottom end
portion formed with a plurality of (four in the embodiment) guide
grooves 109 for guiding insertion and removal of the ink cartridges
30 relative to the case 101. Movements of the respective ink
cartridges 30 in the front-rear direction (i.e., in FIG. 2, a
direction perpendicular to a sheet surface) are guided by the
corresponding guide grooves 109 as lower end portions of the ink
cartridges 30 are inserted into the corresponding guide grooves
109. The case 101 includes three plates 104 (FIG. 2) that partition
the internal space into four individual spaces each elongated in
the up-down direction. Each of the four spaces partitioned by the
plates 104 can receive corresponding one of the four ink cartridges
30.
[0037] <Ink Needle 102>
[0038] As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, each ink needle 102 has a
hollow tubular shape and is disposed at a lower end portion of an
end wall (i.e. a wall having the inner end surface 59) of the case
101. The ink needles 102 are arranged below the inner end surface
59 at positions each corresponding to the ink supply portion 34 of
the corresponding ink cartridge 30 accommodated in the cartridge
attachment section 110. Each ink needle 102 protrudes rearward from
the lower end portion of the end wall of the case 101. Each ink
needle 102 has a distal end formed with an opening 116.
[0039] Each ink needle 102 defines an internal space in which a
valve 114 and a coil spring 115 are accommodated. Within the
internal space, the valve 114 is movable in the frontward direction
51 and the rearward direction 52 between a closed position and an
open position. In the closed position (see FIG. 8), the valve 114
closes the opening 116, while in the open position (see FIG. 9),
the valve 114 opens the opening 116. The coil spring 115 urges the
valve 114 in a direction toward the closed position, that is,
rearward direction 52 to close the opening 116. In the closed
position, a front end of the valve 114 protrudes further rearward
relative to the opening 116.
[0040] <Lock Shaft 145>
[0041] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the case 101 is provided with a
lock shaft 145. The lock shaft 145 extends in the left-right
direction (a width direction of the casing 101) and is disposed in
the vicinity of the inner top surface 57 and the opening 112 of the
case 101. The lock shaft 145 is a rod-like member extending in the
left-right direction. The lock shaft 145 is formed of metal and has
a columnar shape, for example. The lock shaft 145 has left and
right end portions fixed to walls defining left and right ends of
the case 101. Hence, the lock shaft 145 is immovable, for example,
not pivotable, relative to the case 101. The lock shaft 145 extends
in the left-right direction to span the four spaces of the case 101
each for accommodating the corresponding one of the ink cartridges
30. In each of these cartridge-accommodating spaces, a space exists
around the lock shaft 145. A lock surface 151 (described later) of
each ink cartridge 30 can therefore access the lock shaft 145 by
moving upward or rearward.
[0042] The lock shaft 145 is adapted to retain the ink cartridge 30
attached to the cartridge attachment section 110 at the attachment
position. The ink cartridge 30 is brought into engagement with the
lock shaft 145 when the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the
cartridge attachment section 110 and then pivotally moved upward to
the operational posture. Further, the lock shaft 145 retains the
ink cartridge 30 at the attachment position in the cartridge
attachment section 110 against an urging force of a coil spring 78
of the ink cartridge 30 that pushes the ink cartridge 30 rearward
in the state where the ink cartridge 30 is attached to the
cartridge attachment section 110.
[0043] <Overall Structure of Ink Cartridge 30>
[0044] The ink cartridge 30 is a container for storing liquid, such
as ink, therein. As described above, in the embodiment, four of the
ink cartridges 30 corresponding to respective four colors of cyan,
magenta, yellow, and black can be attached to the cartridge
attachment section 110. Of the four ink cartridges 30, three ink
cartridges 30 respectively corresponding to three colors of cyan,
magenta, and yellow are identical in structure. On the other hand,
the ink cartridge 30 corresponding to the color of black differs in
structure from the other three ink cartridge 30 in that the ink
cartridge 30 corresponding to the color of black has a dimension in
the left-right direction (width direction) that is greater than
that of each of the remaining three ink cartridges 30 corresponding
to colors of cyan, magenta, and yellow. Other than this difference,
the ink cartridge 30 corresponding to the color of black is
substantially identical to the other three ink cartridges 30
corresponding to colors of cyan, magenta, and yellow.
[0045] Next will be described the structure of the ink cartridge 30
corresponding to each of the colors of cyan, magenta, and yellow in
detail.
[0046] The posture of the ink cartridge 30 illustrated in FIG. 4 is
a posture of the ink cartridge 30 in the operational posture, that
is, a posture of the ink cartridge 30 in a state where the ink
cartridge 30 is capable of being used in the printer 10. The ink
cartridge 30 includes a front wall 40, a rear wall 41, a top wall
39, bottom wall, a right side wall 37, and a left side wall 38.
[0047] In the operational posture of the ink cartridge 30, the
front wall 40 faces frontward and the rear wall 41 faces rearward.
In the operational posture of the ink cartridge 30, the top wall 39
faces upward. Further, in the operational posture of the ink
cartridge 30, a front end of the top wall 39 is connected to an
upper end of the front wall 40 and a rear end of the top wall 39 is
connected to an upper end of the rear wall 41.
[0048] In the operational posture of the ink cartridge 30, the
bottom wall face downward. Further, in the operational posture of
the ink cartridge 30, a front end of the bottom wall is connected
to a lower end of the front wall 40 and a rear end of the bottom
wall is connected to a lower end of the rear wall 41. In the
embodiment, the bottom wall includes a main bottom wall 42, a
subordinate bottom wall 48, and a connecting wall 49. The
connecting wall 49 connects the main bottom wall 42 to the
subordinate bottom wall 48. The main bottom wall 42 connects the
lower end of the rear wall 41 to a lower end of the connecting wall
49. The subordinate bottom wall 48 connects the lower end of the
front wall 40 to an upper end of the connecting wall 49.
[0049] When the ink cartridge 30 is in the operational posture, a
direction from the rear wall 41 toward the front wall 40 coincides
with the frontward direction 51, and a direction from the front
wall 40 toward the rear wall 41 coincides with the rearward
direction 52. Further, when the ink cartridge 30 is in the
operational posture, a direction from the top wall 39 toward the
bottom wall coincides with the downward direction 53 (i.e., the
gravitational direction), and a direction from the bottom wall
toward the top wall 39 coincides with the upward direction 54.
Still further, when the ink cartridge 30 is in the operational
posture, a direction from the left side wall 38 toward the right
side wall 37 coincides with the rightward direction 55, and a
direction from the right side wall 37 toward the left side wall 38
coincide with the leftward direction 56. In a state where the ink
cartridge 30 is attached to the cartridge attachment section 110
and capable of being used by the printer 10, an outer surface of
the main bottom wall portion 42 of a housing 130 (described later)
faces downward, that is, faces in the gravitational direction.
Further, at this state, the frontward direction 51 and the rearward
direction 52 are perpendicular to the gravitational direction.
[0050] Moreover, in the state where the ink cartridge 30 is
attached to the cartridge attachment section 110, an outer surface
(i.e., front surface) of the front wall 40 faces frontward, an
outer surface (i.e., rear surface) of the rear wall 41 faces
rearward, an outer surface (i.e., bottom surface) of the bottom
wall faces downward, an outer surface (i.e., top surface) of the
top wall 39 faces upward.
[0051] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the ink cartridge 30 has an
overall flattened rectangular parallelepiped shape with a
left-right dimension of the ink cartridge 30 (width) is smaller
than vertical and front-rear dimensions of the ink cartridge 30
(height and depth).
[0052] <Housing 130>
[0053] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the housing 130 has a generally
box-like shape opening upward. That is, the housing 130 has a top
end formed with an opening. In the embodiment, the housing 130 is a
container formed of resin. The housing 130 defines a first storage
chamber 32 and a second storage chamber 33 therein.
[0054] The housing 130 includes the front wall 40, the rear wall
41, the right side wall 37, the left side wall 38, the main bottom
wall 42, the subordinate bottom wall 48. The rear wall 41 is spaced
away from the front wall 40 in the front-rear direction. The left
side wall 38 faces the right side wall 37 in the left-right
direction. A gap distance between the front wall 40 and the rear
wall 41 is greater than a gap distance between the right side wall
37 and the left side wall 38. The front wall 40, rear wall 41, the
right side wall 37, the left side wall 38, the main bottom wall 42
and the subordinate bottom wall 48 define the first storage chamber
32.
[0055] In the operational posture of the ink cartridge 30, the
front surface of the front wall 40 is a surface of the housing 130
facing frontward, while the rear surface of the rear wall 41 is a
surface of the housing 130 facing rearward. The right side wall 37
and the left side wall 38 respectively extend in a direction that
crosses the front wall 40 and the rear wall 41. The right side wall
37 connects the front wall 40 to the rear wall 41, the main bottom
wall 42, and the subordinate bottom wall 48. Likewise, the left
side wall 38 connects the front wall 40 to the rear wall 41, the
main bottom wall 42, and the subordinate bottom wall 48. In the
operational posture of the ink cartridge 30, the outer surface of
the right side wall 37 faces rightward, while the outer surface of
the left side wall 38 faces leftward.
[0056] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the main bottom wall 42 is
inclined relative to the front-rear direction. Specifically, the
main bottom wall 42 is inclined so that a rear end thereof is
positioned further upward than a front end thereof. The front end
of the main bottom wall 42 is positioned frontward relative to the
lock surface 151 (described later). The rear end of the main bottom
wall 42 is connected to the lower end of the rear wall 41. That is,
the main bottom wall 42 extends frontward from the lower end of the
rear wall 41. The subordinate bottom wall 48 is positioned upward
and frontward relative to the main bottom wall 42.
[0057] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the ink cartridge 30 further
includes a first inner lid 131, a second inner lid 132, and an
outer lid 134. The first inner lid 131 is adapted to close the
opening in the top end of the housing 130. Specifically, in the
embodiment, the opening in the top end of the housing 130 is closed
by the first inner lid 131 and the second inner lid 132. A space
defined between the first inner lid 131 and the second inner lid
132 is an air communicating passage 72 for providing communication
of the first storage chamber 32 with an ambient air. The first
inner lid 131 has a bottom surface defining a ceiling of the first
storage chamber 32. The first inner lid 131 is formed with a
through-hole 146. The first storage chamber 32 is in communication
with the space between the first inner lid 131 and the second inner
lid 132 (i.e., the air communicating passage 72) through the
through-hole 146. Incidentally, the through-hole 146 is configured
to be opened and closed by a valve mechanism.
[0058] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the outer lid 134 has a generally
box-like shape opening downward. The outer lid 134 covers the
housing 130 from above so as to cover the first inner lid 131. As
illustrated in FIG. 4, the outer lid 134 includes a protrusion 43
that protrudes upward from the top wall 39. The lock shaft 145 of
the cartridge attachment section 110 can access the protrusion 43
from outward thereof.
[0059] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the protrusion 43 has a rear end
whose rear surface faces rearward. The rear surface of the rear end
serves as the lock surface 151. The lock surface 151 is positioned
upward relative to the top surface of the top wall 39. The lock
surface 151 extends in the up-down direction. The lock surface 151
is configured to contact the lock shaft 145 from frontward thereof
in the state where the ink cartridge 30 is attached to the
cartridge attachment section 110. Contact of the lock surface 151
with the lock shaft 145 allows the ink cartridge 30 to be retained
at the attached position in the cartridge attachment section 110
against the urging force of the coil spring 78.
[0060] <Internal Structure of Ink Cartridge 30>
[0061] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the ink cartridge 30 includes the
first storage chamber 32, the second storage chamber 33, an ink
valve chamber 35, and the air communication passage 72.
[0062] The ink cartridge 30 includes an inner bottom wall 45. The
inner bottom wall 45 extends in the front-rear direction and the
left-right direction. The inner bottom wall 45 opposes the first
inner lid 131 in the up-down direction. The inner bottom wall 45
partitions the interior space of the housing 130 into the first
storage chamber 32 and the second storage chamber 33.
[0063] The second storage chamber 33 is adapted to store ink
therein. The second storage chamber 33 is housing 130 positioned
downward relative to the first storage chamber 32 when the ink
cartridge 30 is in the operational posture. The second storage
chamber 33 has a volume smaller than a volume of the first storage
chamber 32. Thus, a smaller amount of ink can be stored in the
second storage chamber 33 than in the first storage chamber 32.
[0064] The second storage chamber 33 is in communication with the
first storage chamber 32 through a communication hole 47 formed in
the inner bottom wall 45. The communication hole 47 is formed in a
rear-right end portion of the inner bottom wall 45. The second
storage chamber 33 is also in communication with the ink valve
chamber 35 through a through-hole 99 formed in a partitioning wall
50.
[0065] <Air Communication Passage 72>
[0066] As described above, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the air
communication passage 72 is the space that provides communication
between the first storage chamber 32 and ambient air. Specifically,
the air communication passage 72 is the space defined between the
first inner lid 131 and the second inner lid 132. The air
communication passage 72 is in communication with an exterior of
the ink cartridge 30 through a through-hole formed in the first
inner lid 131 and a through-hole formed in the outer lid 134. The
air communication passage 72 is configured to be opened and closed
by a valve mechanism in the embodiment. However, a detailed
description of a structure of the valve mechanism is omitted here
for simplifying description.
[0067] <Ink Supply Portion 34>
[0068] As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the ink supply portion 34
extends frontward from the connecting wall 49. As illustrated in
FIGS. 3 and 5, the ink supply portion 34 includes a cylinder 75, a
sealing member 76, a valve 77, the coil spring 78, and a cap
79.
[0069] The cylinder 75 extends in the frontward direction 51 from
the connecting wall 49. That is, an extending direction of the
cylinder 75 is coincident with the frontward direction 51. The
cylinder 75 has an outer shape that is generally tubular or hollow
cylindrical. The shape of the cylinder 75 is not limited to a
circular cylindrical shape. The cylinder 75 may have any shape as
long as the cylinder 75 is hollow. The cylinder 75 has a front end
that is directed frontward formed with an opening. The front end of
the cylinder 75 is positioned downward and rearward of the front
wall 40. The cylinder 75 defines an internal space serving as the
ink valve chamber 35.
[0070] The sealing member 76 has a substantially annular shape as
viewed in the front-rear direction. The sealing member 76 is made
of an elastic material such as rubber or elastomer. The sealing
member 76 is disposed at the front end of the cylinder 75 so as to
cover the opening formed in the front end of the cylinder 75. The
sealing member 76 has an inner peripheral surface having a circular
shape in front view. The inner peripheral surface of the sealing
member 76 defines the through-hole 73. The through-hole 73 has an
inner diameter slightly smaller than an outer diameter of the ink
needle 102 of the cartridge attachment section 110. A detailed
configuration of the sealing member 76 will be described later.
[0071] The valve 77 and the coil spring 78 are accommodated in the
ink valve chamber 35. The valve 77 can contact and separate from
the sealing member 76 by moving in the front-rear direction. The
valve 77 is configured to open and close the through-hole 73 formed
in the center region of the sealing member 76 by contacting and
separating from the sealing member 76. The coil spring 78 urges the
valve 77 frontward. Accordingly, the valve 77 closes the
through-hole 73 of the sealing member 76 while no external force is
applied to the valve 77.
[0072] As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the cap 79 has an outer
shape that is generally rectangular parallelepiped. The cap 79 has
a hollow configuration. Incidentally, the cap 79 may have an outer
shape other than a rectangular parallelepiped, provided that the
cap 79 is a hollow member whose front end and rear end are
open.
[0073] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the cap 79 includes an inner
peripheral wall 79A, a front end wall 79B, and an outer peripheral
wall 79C. The inner peripheral wall 79A has a substantially annular
shape and extends from the front end wall 79B in the rearward
direction 52. The inner peripheral wall 79A has an inner peripheral
surface defining an ink supply port 71. The ink supply port 71 is
open on a front surface of the front end wall 79B and extends in
the front-rear direction. The outer peripheral wall 79C has a
substantially circular cylindrical shape and is located radially
outward of the inner peripheral wall 79A. The outer peripheral wall
79C extends from the front end wall 79B in the rearward direction
52. The inner peripheral wall 79A and the outer peripheral wall 79C
are separated by a space (define a gap therebetween, and the gap
serves as a space that is open in the rearward direction 52). The
space is defined to open in the rearward direction 52. The inner
peripheral wall 79A has an outer peripheral surface 81 serving as
an engaging surface configured to engage the sealing member 76. The
inner peripheral wall 79A protrudes from the front end wall 79B in
the rearward direction 52, so that a recess 80 is defined by a rear
surface of the front end wall 79B, the outer peripheral surface 81
of the inner peripheral wall 79A, and an inner peripheral surface
of the outer peripheral wall 79C. In other words, the recess 80
defines the space.
[0074] As illustrated in FIG. 3, in a state where the cap 79 is
assembled to the cylinder 75 to cover the cylinder 75 and the
sealing member 76, the ink valve chamber 35 is in communication
with an outside of the housing 130 through the through-hole 73 of
the sealing member 76 and the ink supply port 71 of the cap 79.
[0075] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the cap 79 includes a snap-fit 86
configured to engage the housing 130 or the cylinder 75 for
assembly thereto. As illustrated in FIG. 3, in the state where the
cap 79 covers the cylinder 75 and the sealing member 76 from a
front side thereof, the sealing member 76 is fixed between the cap
79 and the cylinder 75, while being interposed therebetween. A
liquid-tight seal is thus formed between the sealing member 76 and
the cylinder 75, and between the sealing member 76 and the cap
79.
[0076] <Sealing Member 76>
[0077] As illustrated in FIG. 7, the sealing member 76 includes a
cylindrical portion 120, a first protrusion 121, a second
protrusion 122, and a third protrusion 123. The cylindrical portion
120 has a generally circular annular shape. The cylindrical portion
120 has an axis 120A extending in the front-rear direction through
a center thereof. The through-hole 73 formed in the sealing member
76 extends in the front-rear direction (i.e., along the axis 120A).
The cylindrical portion 120 has an inner peripheral surface 120B
and an outer peripheral surface 120C.
[0078] The first protrusion 121 extends radially inward from the
inner peripheral surface 120B of the cylindrical portion 120. That
is, the first protrusion 121 protrudes toward the axis 120A. The
first protrusion 121 has a substantially annular shape as viewed
along the axis 120A. The first protrusion 121 has a protruding end
defining a first sealing surface 121A configured to contact the
outer peripheral surface of the ink needle 102. As the ink needle
102 is inserted into the through-hole 73, a portion of the first
protrusion 121 near the first sealing surface 121A is caused to
elastically deform in a direction along the axis 120A while being
in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the ink needle 102.
Hence, the first protrusion 121 and the outer peripheral surface of
the ink needle 102 are liquid-tightly sealed.
[0079] The second protrusion 122 extends radially outward from the
outer peripheral surface 120C of the cylindrical portion 120. That
is, the second protrusion 122 protrudes in a direction away from
the axis 120A. The second protrusion 122 is integrally formed with
a front portion of the outer peripheral surface 120C of the
cylindrical portion 120. The second protrusion 122 has a second
sealing surface 122A extending outward from the outer peripheral
surface 120C of the cylindrical portion 120 in a radial direction
of the cylindrical portion 120. The second sealing surface 122A
connects the outer peripheral surface 120C of the cylindrical
portion 120 to an outer peripheral surface 122B of the second
protrusion 122.
[0080] The second sealing surface 122A has a substantially circular
annular shape as viewed in the front-rear direction (along the axis
120A). The second sealing surface 122A is inclined toward the axis
120A. In other words, the second sealing surface 122A is inclined
relative to the radial direction of the cylindrical portion 120.
Specifically, the second sealing surface 122A extends away from the
axis 120A toward the rear. That is, an outer end of the second
sealing surface 122A is positioned further rearward relative to an
inner end of the second sealing surface 122A. The second sealing
surface 122A adapted to contact a distal end (front end) of the
cylinder 75 to provide a liquid-tightly seal between the cylinder
75 and the sealing member 76.
[0081] The third protrusion 123 protrudes from the cylindrical
portion 120 in the frontward direction 51. The third protrusion 123
is integrally formed with the front portion of the cylindrical
portion 120 and a front portion of the second protrusion 122. The
third protrusion 123 has a tapered shape that tapers toward the
front in the frontward direction 51. That is, the third protrusion
123 has the tapered shape whose radial dimension gradually
decreases toward the front in the frontward direction 51. The third
protrusion 123 has a contacting surface 123A that is inclined
relative to the axis 120A to extend rearward toward the axis 120A.
The contacting surface 123A is accommodated in the recess formed
between the inner peripheral wall 79A and the outer peripheral wall
79C of the cap 79. The contacting surface 123A accommodated in the
recess is in contact with (i.e., in engagement with) the outer
peripheral surface 81 of the cap 79. The contacting surface 123A
extends in a circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion
120 to form an annular shape. Therefore, the contacting surface
123A adapted to contact the outer peripheral surface 81 of the cap
79 over an entirety thereof in the circumferential direction of the
cylindrical portion 120.
[0082] As illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, as the ink cartridge 30 is
inserted into the cartridge attachment section 110, the ink needle
102 of the cartridge attachment section 110 enters into the ink
valve chamber 35 through the ink supply port 71 and the
through-hole 73. At this time, the outer peripheral surface of the
ink needle 102 is in liquid-tight contact with the first sealing
surface 121A of the first protrusion 121 while elastically
deforming the first protrusion 121 of the sealing member 76
rearward.
[0083] As indicated by arrows in FIG. 9, as the ink needle 102
elastically deforms the first protrusion 121 of the sealing member
76 in the rearward direction 52, the third protrusion 123 of the
sealing member 76 is caused to move rearward together with the
first protrusion 121. As a result, the third protrusion 123 is
caused to deform so as to fall toward the axis 120A. However, since
the contacting surface 123A of the third protrusion 123 is in
contact with the outer peripheral surface 81 of the cap 79, the
third protrusion 123 does not bent (move) toward the axis 120A.
[0084] As the ink cartridge 30 is further inserted into the
cartridge attachment section 110, the valve 114 protruding rearward
through the opening 116 of the ink needle 102 contacts the valve
77. Here, in the embodiment, an urging force of the coil spring 78
that urges the valve 77 in the frontward direction 51 is stronger
than an urging force of the coil spring 115 that urges the valve
114 in the rearward direction 52. Therefore, the valve 77 moves the
valve 114 forward, that is, to the open position, against the
urging force of the coil spring 115.
[0085] When the valve 114 moves to the open position, the distal
end of the ink needle 102 contacts the valve 77. As the ink
cartridge 30 is further inserted into the cartridge attachment
section 110, the ink needle 102 moves the valve 77 in the rearward
direction 52, that is, to the open position, against the urging
force of the coil spring 78.
[0086] In this way, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the ink supply port
71 and the opening 116 are both opened. The ink is allowed to
circulate between an inner space of the ink valve chamber 35 of the
ink supply portion 34 and the internal space in the ink needle
102.
Advantageous Effects (Technical Advantages) of the Embodiment
[0087] According to the above-described embodiment, during
attachment of the ink cartridge 30 to the cartridge attachment
section 110, as the ink needle 102 elastically deforms the first
protrusion 121, the third protrusion 123 of the sealing member 76
tends to move rearward together with the first protrusion 121.
However, since the contacting surface 123A of the third protrusion
123 is in contact with the outer peripheral surface 81 of the cap
79, the third protrusion 123 does not move toward the axis 120A.
This contact between the contacting surface 123A and the outer
peripheral surface 81 can restrict the sealing member 76 from
coming off the cap 79.
[0088] According to the structure of the above-described
embodiment, the second sealing surface 122A of the sealing member
76 is inclined relative to the axis 120A. Therefore, in a state
where the cylinder 75 and the sealing member 76 are assembled to
each other, the second sealing surface 122A is less likely to be
removed from the distal end of the cylinder 75 than otherwise. That
is, an outer end of the second sealing surface 122A is less likely
to be taken off the distal end of the cylinder 75. Displacement of
the sealing member 76 relative to the cylinder 75 is less likely to
occur.
[0089] According to the structure of the above-described
embodiment, the third protrusion 123 of the sealing member 76 has
the tapered shape that tapers toward the front in the frontward
direction 51 along the axis 120A. This tapered shape of the third
protrusion 123 facilitates insertion of the sealing member 76 into
the space defined by the recess 80 of the cap 79, and assembly of
the sealing member 76 to the cap 79.
[0090] According to the structure of the above-described
embodiment, the ink cartridge 30 includes the valve 77 that is
configured to close the through-hole 73 in a state where the valve
77 is in contact with the sealing member 76. Therefore, when the
ink cartridge 30 is not attached to the cartridge attachment
section 110, the ink does not flow out of the first storage chamber
32 through the through-hole 73.
Variations and Modifications
[0091] In the above-described embodiment, the valve 77 is provided
in the internal space of the ink needle 102. However, the valve 77
need not be provided in the internal space of the ink needle 102.
For example, the opening 116 of the ink needle 102 may always be
open.
[0092] In the above-described embodiment, contact between the lock
shaft 145 and the lock surface 151 holds the ink cartridge 30 in
the attached position. However, the ink cartridge 30 may not be
held in the attached position by the contact between the lock shaft
145 and the lock surface 151. Any other known configuration may be
employed to hold the ink cartridge 30 in the attached position.
[0093] In the above-described embodiment, communication between the
interior and the exterior of the ink supply portion 34 is
interrupted and allowed by the valve 77. However, the opening in
the front end of the cylinder 75 may be coved by a seal member
formed of elastic resin and having no through-hole. The seal member
may be opened by piercing with a needle or the like, and may be
closed by the elasticity of the seal member as the needle is
removed from the seal member.
[0094] In the above-described embodiment, the ink cartridge 30 has
the outer shape as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5. Further, in the
above-described embodiment, the ink supply portion 34 extends
frontward from the connecting wall 49 and is positioned downward
and rearward of the front wall 40. However, the ink cartridge 30
need not be so shaped and the ink supply portion 34 need not be so
positioned as illustrated in FIG. 4.
[0095] For example, the distance between the right side wall 37 and
the left side wall 38 may be greater than the distance between the
front wall 40 and the rear wall 41. Alternatively, the ink
cartridge 30 may have a simple rectangular shape in a side view.
Still further, the ink supply portion 34 may extends frontward from
the front wall 40. Alternatively, the ink supply portion 34 may
extend downward from the main bottom wall 42.
[0096] In the above-described embodiment, ink is exemplified as
liquid. However, in place of ink, a pretreatment liquid that is
ejected onto the recording paper prior to ink during a printing
operation may be stored in a liquid cartridge as the liquid.
Alternatively, water that is used for cleaning the recording head
21 may be stored in a liquid cartridge. In other words, the ink
cartridge 30 described herein need not be a cartridge for storing
ink, but may be a cartridge for a storing any liquid that the
printer 10 consumes.
Remarks
[0097] The ink cartridge 30 is an example of a liquid cartridge.
The ink is an example of a liquid. The first storage chamber 32 is
an example of a storage chamber. The cylinder 75 is an example of a
liquid supply tube. The through-hole 73 is an example of a liquid
supply hole. The ink supply port 71 is an example of an opening.
The ink supplying device 100 is an example of a liquid supplying
device. The ink needle 102 is an example of a liquid supply needle.
The valve 114 is an example of a needle valve.
* * * * *